Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs

Last updated: November 2020

An online Master of Psychology degree provides a foundation in basic scientific methods and psychological principles. Graduates will possess the knowledge, skills and disposition to affect change in people and organizations. Topics may cover lifespan development, behavior management, research and analysis, counseling, intervention and psychopathology and prepare students to make a difference in the world—just how big of an impact depends on one’s reason for pursuing a master’s degree and plans after graduation.

Compare Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs

Compare Online Master's in Psychology Degree Programs

University Name	Location	Degree Name	GRE Requirement	Program Length	Total Credits
Adelphi University	Garden City, New York	Master of Arts in General Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
Adler University	Chicago, Illinois	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	12 Months	36 Credits
American Public University	Charles Town, West Virginia	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	39 Credits
Angelo State University	San Angelo, Texas	Master of Science in Applied Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
Arizona State University	Tempe, Arizona	Master of Science in Psychology	GRE Required	18 Months	36 Credits
Ball State University	Muncie, Indiana	Master of Science in Quantitative Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years	33 Credits
Divine Mercy University	Sterling, Virginia	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
Eastern Kentucky University	Richmond, Kentucky	Master of Science in Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years	33 Credits
Grand Canyon University	Phoenix, Arizona	Master of Science in General Psychology	No GRE Required	8 Weeks	N/A
Indiana Institute of Technology	Fort Wayne, Indiana	Master of Science in Psychology	GRE Required	N/A	33 Credits
Kansas State University	Manhattan, Kansas	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	38 Credits
Letourneau University	Longview, Texas	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	5 Years	39 Credits
Lynn University	Boca Raton, Florida	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	1-2 Years	37 Credits
McNeese State University	Lake Charles, Louisiana	Master of Arts in Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years	58 Credits
Medaille College	Buffalo, New York	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	1 Year	36 Credits
Mercy College	Dobbs Ferry, New York	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
National University	San Diego, California	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	1-2 Years	90 Quarter Units
National Louis University	Chicago, Illinois	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	1-2 Years	36 Credits
Northcentral University	San Diego, California	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	18 Months	30-36 Credits
Nova Southeastern University	Davie, Florida	Master of Science in General Psychology	No GRE Required	Two Years	30 Credits
Palo Alto University	Palo Alto, California	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	44 Credits
Pepperdine University Sponsored	Malibu, California	Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis Master of Arts in Psychology Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology	No GRE Required	18-24 Months	36-48 Credits
Purdue University Global	Chicago, Illinois	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	18 Months-2 Years	65 - 75 Credits
Regent University	Virginia Beach, Virginia	Master of Science in General Psychology	No GRE Required	8-week course sessions	39 Credits
Saint Leo University	St. Leo, Florida	Master of Science in Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
Saybrook University	Oakland, California	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	31 Credits
Southern New Hampshire University	Manchester, New Hampshire	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	15 Months	36 Credits
Tiffin University	Tiffin, Ohio	Master of Science in Psychology	N/A	1.5-2 Years	37 Credits
Touro University	Vallejo, California	Master of Arts in Psychology	No GRE Required	1 Year	36 Credits
Union College	Barbourville, Kentucky	Master of Arts in Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years + 11 Months Clinical Training	37 Credits
University of Idaho	Moscow, Idaho	Master of Science in Psychology	No GRE Required	2 Years	33 Credits
University of Louisiana - Monroe	Monroe, Louisiana	Master of Science in Psychology	GRE Required	2 Years	36 Credits
University of Southern California	Los Angeles	Master of Science in Applied Psychology	GRE Required	16 Months	34 Credits
University of West Alabama	Livingston, Alabama	Master of Science in Experimental Psychology	GRE Required	N/A	36-54 Credits

Insights into Online Master’s in Psychology Degree Programs

MA in Psychology Vs. MS in Psychology

Graduate-level psychology programs offer two, different degree tracks: the Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology and the Master of Science (MS) in Psychology. While there is an overlap in program coursework, each degree has significant differences. Prospective students will need to consider their academic interests and desired career paths to choose the appropriate program.

The MA degree tends to emphasize liberal arts, humanitarian studies, and counseling. This degree benefits students who wish to work in client care, as it focuses on more direct psychological theory, assessment, and intervention.

The MS degree often indicates a stronger focus on behavioral, research, and statistical science. Students pursuing careers in research or academic writing may benefit from this degree. Coursework may focus on advanced statistics and research methodology.

Since the academic requirements for MS and MA degrees are often very similar, we may instead distinguish between terminal stand-alone and doctoral-preparatory Master of Psychology degrees.

• Terminal master’s degrees in psychology prepare graduates to enter or advance in a specific subfield, such as industrial/organizational psychology or developmental psychology. Although terminal degree programs do not result in licensure, graduates may work in a variety of applied psychology settings including community mental health centers or treatment facilities.
• Doctoral preparatory master’s degrees in psychology generally follow the scientist-practitioner model of clinical psychology. Research mentorship opportunities in these degree programs develop students’ independent research skills in preparation for a doctoral program. These degree programs may also require the completion of a thesis for graduation.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Psychology?

The American Psychological Association indicates that a master’s degree in psychology can provide numerous opportunities for students entering the workforce. Some of which, we outlined in our guide: "What Can You Do With a Master's in Psychology?".

Many states permit professionals with master’s-level degrees to work in clinical, counseling, and school psychology as therapists, counselors, and other mental health clinicians. However, many people utilize their psychology degrees in business industries to work as human resource managers, advertising agents, or market researchers. Furthermore, some professionals work in local, state, or federal government positions as parole officers, social services managers, and employment counselors.

Ways to Improve your Job Prospects

A master’s degree in psychology provides the foundation for a number of careers in the public and private sectors. Although licensed independent practice as a “psychologist” typically requires a doctoral degree and postdoctoral training, there are also opportunities for individuals with master’s-level training in psychology.

Of the states that grant licenses to individuals with a master’s degree, some allow for autonomous practice while others require supervision by a doctoral level licensed psychologist. In either case, a master’s-level license in psychology will open new opportunities to work in the field. Some of the licenses that are available with a master’s of psychology include:

• Psychological Associate
• Psychological Assistants
• Psychological Practitioner
• Psychological Examiner
• Psychological Technician
• School Psychologist
• Licensed Master’s-Level Psychologist

There are also jobs in the public and private sectors that fall under the umbrella of psychology or involve some of the principles of psychology but don’t require licensure. For example, you may be able to work as a survey researcher, market research analyst, human resources manager, behavioral consultant or researcher. For more information, see our guide on how to become a psychologist.

Receive additional training before doctoral studies

You don’t need a master’s degree to be admitted into a doctoral psychology program, but depending on the point you’re at in your career, you may consider it.

The American Psychological Association (APA) and many state licensing boards state that doctoral education and training is necessary to practice as a psychologist. In other words, a doctorate in psychology is the standard for anyone looking to conduct independent research or practice as a licensed psychologist.

If you’re thinking about this path but aren’t ready to commit to a doctoral program, an online Master of Psychology degree program may allow you to get a firsthand taste of what graduate psychology studies are like so you can decide on a doctorate later.

Master of Psychology Degree Concentrations

When you enroll in an online Master of Psychology degree program, you may be able to choose a specialization to focus on a particular subfield of psychology practice. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes 15 specialties of professional psychology. Popular master’s-level psychology concentrations you may be able to select include:

• Clinical Psychology is a large subfield that encompasses a range of techniques and theoretical approaches that aid in diagnosing and treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and learning disabilities.

Interested in a career in psychology? Check out our guide to online master’s degrees in clinical psychology for more information.

• Neuropsychology is the branch of psychology concerned with how a person’s cognition and behaviors are influenced by the brain and central nervous system. This specialty is also concerned with how brain injuries or illnesses affect cognitive functions and development.
• Industrial-Organizational (IO) Psychology is characterized by the study of human behavior in organizations and places of work. IO psychologists focus on the health and well-being of employees, as well as how to improve performance, motivation and job satisfaction.
• Forensics Psychology is the application of clinical psychology techniques and methods in the judicial and legal systems. Forensics psychologists may provide law enforcement agencies with criminal profiles or testify in court as expert witnesses.

Learn more about a career as a behavior analyst and check out our guide to online master’s degrees in behavioral psychology or our guide to online master’s in applied behavior analysis.

Earning an Online Master’s in Psychology

Hundreds of universities offer master’s in psychology degrees, and it is essential that students research their options to apply for the right program.

With many students choosing to work or raise families while obtaining their degrees, online learning provides certain flexibility and convenience.

Online school admission requirements vary depending on the institution. Typically, more competitive schools require a minimum grade point average and the submission of GRE scores.

Online school program lengths also vary according to the institution’s requirements and semester credit loads. For a clinical psychology master's degree, students should expect to complete the program within one to three years, while a master’s degree in behavioral psychology may take two to three years.

The master's in psychology online curriculum typically includes coursework in relevant principles including social psychology, lifespan development, research theory and methods, personality, and cognitive psychology. Students may also be required to complete some elective courses.

Application Requirements

Every institution has unique application requirements for enrollment. However, prospective students should expect to provide the following:

Resume: This resume should highlight paid employment, internships, or volunteering positions in psychology or psychology-related fields.

Personal Essay or Statement: Many schools want to assess a potential candidate’s critical thinking and writing skills. This assignment provides you the opportunity to showcase your passion and dedication to psychology.

Letters of Recommendation: Schools may request 2-3 letters of recommendation from past or current employers or professors who can vouch for your work ethic and character.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes for graduate programs vary on the type of degree and the institution. Some programs prepare for licensure in specific concentrations, and the coursework provides the foundational curriculum to equip students for their future careers.

Coursework varies depending on the university and the program, but students may learn:

• Laws and ethics of becoming a clinical practitioner
• Evidence-based psychotherapy techniques
• Education about mental disorders and emotional disorders

• Cross-cultural training about diverse populations
• Advanced understanding of lifespan human development
• Research assessment, interpretation, and application

Most programs require the completion of a thesis or equivalent project (comprehensive exam, writing assignment) to demonstrate the successful integration of such learning outcomes.

Student Support For Online Students

Online students may require appropriate and unique accommodations to feel supported and succeed in their programs. On traditional campuses, students typically receive services at school directly. However, student support for online students may entail a hybrid of electronic communication that includes phone calls, email, video conferencing, text messaging, and live chats.

Online support varies depending on the institution, but the options may include:

• Admission and financial aid advising
• Academic tutoring and advising
• Ongoing technical support
• Library services
• Current networking programs and communities
• Personal support services (i.e., health and counseling services)
• Military support for both service and family members
• Career, internship or clinical placement services
• Post-graduate alumni support

Live Class Discussions

Many programs require synchronous or live class discussions as part of their curriculum. Synchronous classes refer to interactive discussions that may entail video or audio chatting options. Students meet in a virtual classroom and speak with their professors directly.

Depending on the institution, students may be required to attend these classes. If they cannot participate, they may need to notify the professor in advance.

Nonsynchronous classes, on the other hand, includes coursework without current time restraints. This may involve uploading homework, participating in classroom discussion or message boards, and reviewing course content. While there are deadlines for completion, students can work at their own pace.

Small Class Size

Smaller class sizes are associated with higher individual attention, enhanced participation, and improved communication between the instructor and the students.

In larger classes, instructors tend to emphasize factual knowledge. However, they’re less likely to cultivate communication skills. As a result, students may struggle to feel connected or inspired by the material they learn. This lack of enthusiasm can result in performance problems and inattention.

Doctorate in Psychology

The doctorate in psychology is the highest, academic degree psychology students can receive. In addition to clinical expertise, the doctorate program primarily focuses on preparing students to teach in higher education, conduct psychological research, and publish academic writing.

For specific careers, such as licensed psychologists, the doctorate is a requirement. Other jobs in psychology, however, require ‘terminal degrees,’ which people may obtain at a master’s level. Terminal degrees do not need the doctorate, although some professionals do opt to obtain them.

Prospective doctoral students must assess both their long-term career goals and financial status when considering their academic plans. These programs require time, dedication, financial commitment, and emotional persistence. Thus, students should thoroughly research their higher education options and career prospects before enrolling.

Ph.D. Vs. PsyD Degree

The Ph.D. and PsyD are both doctorate-level degrees. Both programs provide an advanced psychology curriculum, and both programs prepare students to become licensed psychologists.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) has an intensive focus on statistical analysis and research methods. Students who wish to interpret or conduct their own research or work in higher education teaching often pursue this track. The Ph.D. program tends to take five to seven years to complete, with students spending their last part of the curriculum focusing and completing their dissertations.

The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a newer degree that also provides an advanced concentration on clinical knowledge and practical application. Instead of a coursework emphasis on research or statistics, the program prepares students to work with patients or clients directly. The average PsyD program takes four to six years to complete. Students often have the option to complete a dissertation or an equivalent clinical project.

Psychology Dual Degree Programs

Dual degree programs allow students to receive both a doctorate and a master’s degree within the same program. To achieve these degrees, the institution “double-counts” some of the curriculum’s course credits towards the completion of both degrees.

As a result, even though coursework may be intensive, the overall process takes less time than if the student were to complete each degree separately. However, before applying, it is essential for students to understand the commitment of enrolling in such a program.

FAQs

How long does it take to earn a master’s degree in psychology online?

The time it takes to complete an online Master of Psychology program depends on a number of factors, notably the number of credit hours and your status as either a full-time or part-time student. Generally, students take two to three years to complete their degree.

Are online Master of Psychology degree programs really 100 percent online?

All course materials, including lectures, quizzes, worksheets and study materials, are delivered online. Many programs require one or more on-campus visits, known as intensives or immersions, and most have a clinical practicum and/or internship component.

What can you do with a Master of Psychology?

Graduate psychology studies provide students with a diverse set of skills that can be used for career advancement in many different fields. If you’re interested in becoming a school psychologist, the Master of Psychology is the first step to earning a doctorate degree, according to the American Psychological Association (APA).